crowded, in proportion to the number of the inhabitants. The divine power seems to accompany the word; multitudes enjoy tranquillity in life; and many who have died, have departed in peace."

In the year 1809, the return of the number in society in St. Vincent's was 2374, of whom only 13 were whites. The return of 1810 was exactly the same number; that of 1814 was only 2535: and only 9 of these are whites.

There seems to have been a considerable reduction in the number from 1810 to 1813. But the report of 1814, says," It may be said with strict propriety, that in this island the harvest is great, but the labourers are few. Every thing seems favourable to the cause of God. The civil power is friendly; the congregations are large, and in most parts composed of the most respectable of the inhabitants; the societies increase; and the missionaries enjoy good health. From the spirit of hearing which prevails, more chapels and more preachers are wanted; and we doubt not, if a full supply could be procured, that religion would take a more extensive spread than we have yet been able to record in the history of this island. It is nevertheless worthy of remark, that, although multitudes of all descriptions attend preaching, it is chiefly among the African race that the power of godliness is experienced."

DOMINICA.

This island lies in north latitude 15. 32. and west longitude from Greenwich 61. 23. It is about 29 miles long and 16 broad. It was discovered by Columbus, November the 3d, 1493, on his second voyage to the new hemisphere, who called it Dominica, which is a corruption of the

Latin name for Sunday, on which day the discovery was made.

It was found inhabited by Charaibees, though they were not very numerous; and both he and his immediate successors left them in undisturbed possession.

From the time of its discovery, to the beginning of the seventeenth century, no Europeans attempted to make any settlement in this island. But then some Frenchmen fixed their residence on some parts of the sea-coast, which had been forsaken by the natives. A mutual friendship took place, and they lived in peace and harmony.

In the year 1632, the number of the Charaibees amounted to 938, who lived in 32 huts, according to the mode of their ancestors. The French had increased to 349; there were 23 free mulattoes, and 338 negro slaves, who had been imported to assist in the cultivation of the land.

The growing prosperity of the island awakened the envy of the contending nations of England, France, and Holland; who for the time agreed that it should be a neutral island. But in the war between France and England, which broke out in the year 1755, it was seized by the English in 1759, and confirmed to them by the peace of 1763.

Upon the commencement of war between England and France, during the contest between Great Britain and her North American colonies, the French made a sudden and powerful attack upon this island, and obtained possession of it.— The governor practised great cruelties towards the inhabitants, especially such as were English. In 1781 a dreadful fire destroyed between four and five hundred houses, and consumed the riches of the island to the amount of two hundred thousand pounds. The governor was suspected of being

the cause of this dreadful and destructive calamity.

At the peace of 1783, Dominica was restored to England, though the town of Rosseau was, as formerly, declared a free port.

This island is divided into ten parishes. The only towns of note are Charlotte Town or Rosseau, on the south-west side of the island, and Portsmouth, at the head of Prince Rupert's Bay. It yields coffee, indigo, ginger, and other articles of West Indian produce. In the woods are innumerable swarms of bees, so that it is a land flowing with honey and it is well supplied, if not with rivers, yet with streams of water. It has no considerable bay or harbour, but the anchorage round the coast is safe and commodious, and its capes furnish ships with shelter. It lies between Guadaloupe and Martinico, and nearly at an equal distance from each.

As to religion, Christianity was first introduced into this island in a popish dress, by the French inhabitants. And when it was finally ceded to the British crown in 1783, the Romish church was completely predominant. But from that time, a partial establishment of the protestant faith, according to the rites of the Church of England, took place, which gradually gained ground.

In January, 1787, Dr. Coke, accompanied by three missionaries, sailed from Antigua to Dominica, with a design to establish, or prepare the way for a mission. Having got a hint about a Mr. Burn, who was favourable to the gospel, the Doctor and his companions repaired to his house, and met with a courteous reception. He expressed much satisfaction at the proposal for appointing a missionary, and said he would gladly entertain him.

The Doctor preached in a private house in Rosseau, and a considerable number attended.But there appeared to be too many difficulties and obstacles in the way to attempt to establish a mission at this time. But nearly two years after, Dr. Coke visited Dominica again, accompanied by some missionaries. Notice being had of their coming, a Mrs. Webley, formerly of Antigua, had hired a large room The Doctor waited upon his excellency, Governor Orde, to inform him of the intention of establishing a mission in the island; and he shewed great respect and affability. Dr. Coke and Mr. Baxter preached each twice: they also visited several places in the country; and thought the probabilities of success to be such as to justify the attempt. And of those who had formerly been Methodists in Antigua, and a few others, they formed a society of twenty members, who seemed desirous of being saved. A missionary of the name of M' Cornock immediately took his station in Dominica, and began to labour with zeal. Multitudes flocked to hear him; many received the word with joy; and a great and lasting blessing attended his preaching. He was instant in season and out of season; and in a few months he had a society of one hundred and fifty members, who were in earnest to flee from the wrath to come. But he over-worked himself, and shortly died:and several years elapsed before this mission could be re-established. Yet many retained their steadfastness, and were found as lights in a benighted land, when Mr. Cook, in the year 1794, was appointed to renew the mission. But it was not long before the governor ordered his successor to quit the island. In a few months, however, the mission was again restored, but for some time was at a very low ebb.

In 1800, the prospects had so far brightened,

that another chapel was thought necessary. In 1803 the society consisted of one hundred and three members, of whom only nine were whites. About this time, Mr. Boocock sailed from England, as a missionary for Dominica, and was much debilitated with an unpleasant voyage. He only preached twice, and then died of a putrid fever. Mr. Thomas Richardson, who was employed in the mission about this time, gave an interesting description of the island and its inhabitants. "The islands," said he, " in general, are very mountainous; and none, perhaps, more so than Dominica. To describe the hills, rocks, and precipices, would require an abler pen than mine. They really have a terrific appearance. This island is only cultivated near the sea. Probably nine parts out of ten remain in a state of rude nature, and are chiefly covered with forests, trees, and brush-wood. The houses are chiefly built of wood; and instead of glass they have lattices, which exclude the heat of the sun, and let in the air,Chimnies they have none, having no occasion for fire. All their cookery is performed in out-houses; and their washing near the wells or streams of

water.

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"The slaves are in a better condition than the free coloured people, having a weekly allowance of salt provisions, two suits of clothes in the year, and a sufficiency of land to plant for their own use. But their morals are in a deplorable state. The Lord's day is scandalously profaned. On this solemn day the stores are all open as on other days. On this day the negroes bring their provisions to market, and afterwards spend their time in music and dancing, till called to work the next morning. Except on Sundays, the black men go half naked; but on the Sabbath they dress like the English, with the exception of shoes and stockings.